June 26, 2018 – School Board Meeting
Denise Glaros was absent.
Correction to June 18th Blog
I identified the solicitor at the June 18th board meeting as Gary Brienza. Mr. Brienza did not attend that meeting, James Zulick attended in his place behind Mr. Brienza’s nameplate. I apologize for the error.
Community Corner
Two residents from Nazareth spoke out about the $1 million in construction at the baseball field at the Intermediate School. A Borough Councilman asked the board why the district didn’t work with the borough concerning improvements to the town baseball field and read a letter he wrote to Dr. Riker—a letter, he said, had never been answered. He accused Riker of behaving unprofessionally, pointed out that relations with previous administrations had been much friendlier and that the Intermediate School field was at risk for sink holes. (Editor’s Note: I have personally seen sinkholes in that area since the school was constructed)
Another Nazareth resident wanted to know why there wasn’t more communication between the district and the town on this issue, claiming that, in his experience, the project was likely to cost $1.8 million dollars when it was all finished. He pointed out that the town ball field was already established and the extra expense offended him as a taxpayer. Board member McGlynn claimed the town field was too wet to use and that students had been forced to practice in the parking lot. The resident pointed out that he’d played ball as a student and practicing in the parking lot was a common.
Kenneth Butz aggressively pushed back, saying the town wouldn’t keep circuses and car shows off the field and that insurance won’t allow kids to practice on parking lots anymore. Linda Stubits, looking a bit appalled, expressed concern about the deterioration in community relations and asked someone to find the minutes from the last meeting between the district and the borough.
Prompted by a question about why the district hadn’t communicated with the borough, Butz admitted that, in the past, the deal for the district to play on the ballfield had been a handshake deal.
Agenda Items
Items V & IX passed. A link to the agenda and minutes can be found here: https://www.nazarethasd.k12.pa.us/Page/1024
Becky Bartlett covers these meetings because citizens have a right to know what their government is doing.
Upper Nazareth Township Meetings 